Sep 6, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; General Robert B. Neller, the Commandant of the Marine Corps throws out a ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Tigers and Royals at Comerica Park.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports

843503772.jpg DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 6: Matthew Boyd #48 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Comerica Park on September 6, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
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Tigers first baseman John Hicks celebrates with leftfielder Mikie Mahtook after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of the Tigers' 13-2 win over the Royals on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, at Comerica Park.
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Tigers centerfielder JaCoby Jones celebrates his solo home run during the seventh inning of the Tigers' 13-2 win over the Royals on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, at Comerica Park.
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Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) receives congratulations from third base coach Dave Clark (25) after he hits a home run in the fifth inning of the Tigers' 13-2 win over the Royals on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, at Comerica Park.
Rick Osentoski USA TODAY Sports

Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez bends over after being hit by a line drive from Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield, as manager Brad Ausmus, left, and trainer Kevin Rand check on his injury during the first inning on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Sanchez left the game.
Paul Sancya, AP

Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield throws to first base trying to complete a double play as Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) slides in the second inning on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. James McCann was safe at first.
Paul Sancya, AP

Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez winces as he is checked by trainer Kevin Rand after being hit by a liner from Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield during the first inning on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Sanchez left the game with an injury.
Paul Sancya, AP

Tigers first baseman Efren Navarro reacts after striking out against the during the ninth inning of the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Royals on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Comerica Park.
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Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias throws out Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar at first base on a grounder during the fifth inning of the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Royals on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Comerica Park.
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Tigers rightfielder Alex Presley slides into third base with an RBI-triple ahead of the throw to Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas during the fifth inning of the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Royals on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Comerica Park.
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Tigers centerfielder Mikie Mahtook looks to left field after Royals leftfielder Alex Gordon made a leaping catch to rob Mahtook of a home run during the fourth inning of the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Royals on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Comerica Park.
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Tigers DH Nick Castellanos rounds the bases past Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas after hitting a home run during the ninth inning of the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Royals on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Comerica Park.
Duane Burleson, Getty Images

Tigers centerfielder Mikie Mahtook (15) leaps up on the fence in an attempt at a ball hit by Royals catcher Salvador Perez (not pictured) for a home run in the seventh inning of the Tigers' 7-6 loss to the Royals on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Comerica Park.
Rick Osentoski USA TODAY Sports

Game notes: The Tigers have lost five straight and are at the point where they are sending their de facto ace to the mound tonight in Sanchez. With Verlander traded, Fulmer injured and everyone else having sub par seasons or getting their first taste in the majors, Sanchez is the veteran presence on the staff. And he himself is returning from the disabled list after suffering a hamstring pull last month. Vargas, meanwhile, pitched just 2 2/3 innings in his lone start against the Tigers this season, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and four walks.